Advanced technologies, globalization, the competitiveness of business, flexible working practices, and other rapid changes in the nature of work have all led to the booming of "virtual teams." This paper will provide an overview of virtual teams, including a description of their emergence, a definition and typology of the term "virtual team," an…

Assesses the use of the strategic message structuring tactic known as framing. Analyzes 3,000 messages obtained from a diverse sampling of computer-mediated discussion groups and forums. Finds that a speaker's emotional involvement was significantly and curvilinearly related to two message framing devices (message dependency and coalition…

Proposes a framework for the design of computer-mediated communication (CMC) environments that combines constructivist learning environments (CLEs) and dynamic learning environments (DLEs). Highlights include learner involvement in the problem authenticity; computer-supported collaborative learning; goal-based scenarios; integrating CLEs and DLEs;…

A literature review explored issues of mentoring in a computer-mediated context: the effect on mentor roles, influence of type of mentoring, challenges (miscommunication, technical difficulties, privacy), and opportunities (access to mentors, reduced costs, status equality). Areas for research and a typology of computer-mediated mentoring were…

Examines methodological challenges in the study of computer-mediated learning communities and proposes a conversational system modeling (CSM) strategy as a guide for researchers. Discusses the growing concern for researchers to address a broader range of social, political, and cultural factors when studying computer-mediated learning communities;…

Describes the use of synchronous (chat) and asynchronous (bulletin board) communication in a graduate course at the University of Saskatchewan. Concludes that synchronous communication promoted a strong sense of community and continuity, but asynchronous communication was better for dealing with content. (LRW)

Investigates group gender composition and communication styles in small task groups involved in computer-mediated communication. Describes a study that tried to train small task groups in the use of one communication style and suggests further research in the area of communication training for online task groups. (Author/LRW)

Examines nicknames of Internet Relay Chat (IRC) users, whose identities are condensed into a single line which states their nicknames, the electronic address, and a slogan or the users' real names. Demonstrates that although people play games with their nicknames, the nicknames they choose are an inherent part of their Net identity and their…

Uses instances of recent postings to the USENET news group rec.games.chess to present a Foucauldian perspective on fashioning of self online. Identifies key aspects of self-fashioning. Considers implications of this Foucauldian approach for future research on Internet self-constructions. (RS)

Documents the lack of conceptual frameworks for integrating research on organizational computer-based communications technologies. Formalizes an integrated model for studying computer communication support phenomena in organizations using a knowledge management perspective and set-theoretic notation. Defines two types of communications support…

Explains listservs (services to which subscribers may send communications for distribution to all other subscribers to the listserv) that are available through e-mail on the Internet; how they differ from newsgroups; how to host your own list; different types of lists, including open lists, controlled lists, and moderated lists; and how to…

Reports on research into an electronic bulletin board devoted to the topic of suicide. Over an 11-month period, participants offered each other valuable resources in terms of validation of experience, sympathy, acceptance, and encouragement. They also asked proactive questions and furnished broad-ranging advice. Compares the bulletin board to…

Provides information on various adaptive technology resources available to people with disabilities. (Contains 19 references, an annotated list of 129 websites, and 12 additional print resources.) (JOW)

Tables of specifications provide graphic representations of objectives and segments of instruction or test questions. Examines tables of specifications (use, significance of empty cells, traceability) and their application in instructional design, highlighting constructivism and microworlds, structural communication, computer mediated…

Discussion of the Internet and virtual communities focuses on differences between online and face-to-face communities. Topics include interdependency; infrastructure; intensity of participation; representation of members; accessibility to resources, information, and expertise; and activity theory as a framework for analyzing communities.…